The minimum wage is set to rise by $1.50 to $22.70 in April, and businesses have voiced their disapproval.

New data from Retail NZ has stated that 88 percent of retailers aren't in favour of this hike, and half of the survey participants plan to cut hours and jobs across stores. 

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has defended the minimum wage hike, saying it's the right solution to the current cost of living crisis.

Grant Robertson says this minimum wage increase will put pressure on small businesses, but it's important for the lowest paid Kiwis to be financially supported.

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